Volvo Car Group on May 13 began production of its new four-cylinder engine family that includes gasoline and diesel variants on a platform known as the Volvo Environmental Architecture (VEA). The company invested about 2 billion kronor (about U.S. $303.7 million) to expand its plant in Skövde by 4500 m² (48,000 ft²) for the new engine line, preparations for which began two years ago.

Behr America, Inc.’s analysis tools help automakers reduce climate-control-system blower noise by predicting vehicle noise levels from subsystem measurements, analyzing, and combining input from a large number of systems and locations within a vehicle.

Automakers are beginning to leverage integrated GPS receivers, using positional data much like input from other sensors. Integrating GPS with electric powertrain controls can conserve energy, while locational data can also enhance telematics services and apps.

Automated road trains such as the one demonstrated on a test track in Tsukuba City, Japan, help prove out new truck platooning technology for real-world use. Similar programs have been conducted in Europe and the U.S.

The AVL series of radial-leaded automotive varistors from Stackpole Electronics, Inc., through its alliance with KEKO Varicon, is designed to protect automotive-level electrical systems from transient voltage events.

Expanding its inspection solutions for the industrial/manufacturing sectors, Creaform’s MetraSCAN-R series robot-mounted optical CMM 3-D scanners offer automated inspection on and off the production line.

As a thermoelectric module bench-top temperature controller with its own power supply, the self-contained, singly enclosed 5R6-900 unit from Oven Industries can be plugged into the wall and accessed from anywhere.